Article Source: VisitScotland
Last Updated: 10 August 2019 9:45
The 2019 Solheim Cup will be one of the biggest family friendly events ever held in Scotland – with free entry and activity for children adding to the once in a lifetime opportunity to see 24 of the best female golfers in the world.
The event will include a host of activities for all the family to enjoy at Gleneagles this September (9th - 15th) from mini tractor driving to story-telling. All under 16s will be admitted free to the event.
While cheering on the world’s elite female golfers from Europe and the USA, the Spectator Village, which will sit alongside the first tee and purpose-built grandstand, will be the hub for the programme of family activities. Families can opt to stay there, enjoy everything going on while taking in the action on screens throughout the Village, or get out on the course to follow the progress of Team Europe, captained by Scot Catriona Matthew.
Despite there being five weeks to go until the championship tees off in Perthshire, the event has already allocated three times more children’s tickets than the initial target set. It is expected that in excess of 3,000 children will attend the event.
Before the tournament starts, tickets for the practice days on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday are free for adults and children. Under-16s will gain free entry to the opening ceremony on the Thursday, which features a host of entertainment including headline act Texas, and the actual competition days on Friday and Saturday and the final on Sunday.
The family activities include everything from play areas, storytelling and a golf zone to family friendly food areas and a quiet zone to chill out in.
What’s on offer for families at The 2019 Solheim Cup:
1. ON-SITE FAMILY PARKING – There will be a number of parking spaces dedicated to families just a five-minute walk from all the activities. If you wish to book a space in the family car park, tickets are priced from £5, and must be booked in advance at www.solheimcup2019.com
2. THE GOLF ZONE – Kids can try their hand at driving, putting and chipping by hitting balls in the specially-designed interactive Golf Zone, as well as taking part in a long-putt competition.
3. FAMILY AREA – This is for younger children and is in the process of being finalised. It will be a place where parents can have a coffee as their children enjoy arts and crafts, storytelling and a play area (this is aimed at babies to under-7s) – after the competition, the contents of this area will be donated to Perth & Kinross Council to pass on to local community groups.
4. JOHN DEERE TRACTORS – The agricultural giant will be bringing along mini diggers and tractors for children to ride.
5. CATERING – Unlike some outdoor public events, catering trucks at the Spectator Village will be introducing children’s menus so even the fussiest eaters will be satisfied.
6. OPENING CEREMONY – The Spectator Village will host the main stage for the opening ceremony on the Thursday, where there will be a full day of music, dancing and entertainment for families, headlined by Texas.
7. QUIET ZONE – For those who wish to escape the crowds, there is an autism-friendly chill out area where new mums can also breastfeed.
8. CELEBRITY PLAY-OFFS – As part of the launch of The Solheim Cup on the opening day (Thursday), there will be well-known faces and Scottish junior golfers taking part in an exhibition challenge match.
9. AUTOGRAPH ZONE – Players from both European and American teams will be on hand to meet and inspire young people as well as autograph caps and other golf memorabilia. This is also a great photo opportunity for selfies. Remember to share your photos on social media using The Solheim hashtag #itallleadstothismoment
10. MERCHANDISE STALLS – There will be plenty of mementos for purchase in the merchandise tent, which will stock golf-related clothing and products in a wide range of children’s sizes too. Some of the exhibition units in the Spectator Village will also be giving away free goodies too!
People can request up to six children’s tickets along with each paying adult. Adult tickets for The Solheim Cup cost from £25. To book to attend “the most family-friendly golf event in history”, visit www.solheimcup2019.com
Top Dogs is back! Dog lovers invited to come and have a fun day out with their four-legged family members.
READ MOREBritain's biggest independent craft brewer, BrewDog is giving beer lovers a chance to 'Drink Beer, Win Cash' with the return of its Cash Cans scavenger hunt this Spring.
READ MOREEuropean Ryder Cup stars Ludvig Åberg, Tommy Fleetwood and Viktor Hovland are set to reunite at the 2024 Genesis Scottish Open.
READ MOREDementia specialist nursing charity, Dementia UK, is running its 14th annual 'Time for a Cuppa Fundraiser' to raise vital funds for the leading cause of death in the UK.
READ MOREDobbies, the UK's leading garden centre, is inviting children aged four to 10 to a free workshop in May to learn more about trees and how to protect them.
READ MOREIt's just days until the opening of the Homebuilding & Renovating Show, which is back SEC, Glasgow on 11-12 May 2024.
READ MOREGlasgow to Loch Lomond was a sea of tartan today as the world's biggest ever Kiltwalk took place, with fundraising already exceeding £2.5m.
READ MOREA spectacular multimedia show celebrating Vincent van Gogh's life and stunning artworks is coming to Glasgow this summer!
READ MOREEastwood Park Theatre's forthcoming season features several sell-out shows and a host of well-known names, following the success of its 50th anniversary last year.
READ MORENational Theatre of Scotland launches a new interactive map for Scotland to demonstrate its love for the Big Yin, inviting people to share their own Billy Connolly memories.
READ MORETouring Scotland from June, the cast is announced for Hen Night Horror, an original musical comedy that promises to put the willies right up ye!
READ MOREAldi Scotland's popular 'Best Home Bar' competition has returned for another year, with a year's supply of beer up for grabs!
READ MOREPaisley Food and Drink Festival returns to the town this weekend for a two-day feastival with plenty for everyone to sample and enjoy.
READ MOREWith a staggering 14 million adults in the UK unable to swim, the team behind The Learn to Swim National Framework has launched a new campaign to encourage adults in Scotland to learn the life skill.
READ MOREEast Renfrewshire Culture and Leisure has launched a brand new dedicated functional training space at Barrhead Foundry, to enhance the current fitness offering for the community.
READ MOREIn the heart of East Renfrewshire, nestled amidst the vibrant community, a special event is set to unfold.
READ MORENow in its 30th year, the show is the go-to exhibition for any self-builders or renovators looking for practical tips, expert advice, or the chance to view 1000s of products.
READ MORELatest investigations by National Trust for Scotland archaeologists at Culloden Battlefield have recovered a wide range of artefacts.
READ MOREThe Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT) Scottish Game Fair (SGF) is back for 2024, celebrating its 35-year anniversary at Scone Palace.
READ MOREDobbies, the UK's leading garden centre, is inviting plant enthusiasts and foodies alike to a brand new Afternoon Tea and Planting Experience at its stores nationwide.
READ MOREThis year's Springfest, set to take place this weekend, has been postponed due to forecasted high winds.
READ MOREEast Renfrewshire Council has announced a programme of works to further improve the facilities in Barrhead's Cowan Park.
READ MOREHistoric Environment Scotland (HES) has announced that over twenty sites across the country are set to reopen their doors to visitors this weekend.
READ MOREJoin Diabetes Scotland for a virtual event about an exciting new programme supporting children and young people 11 - 25 living with type 1 diabetes - Together Type 1.
READ MORECarmunnock Heritage Trail launches this Easter weekend. It's a unique, free, multi-media tour with 16 QR coded video stops around Glasgow's last remaining village.
READ MORENoughties stars The Cheeky Girls, Gareth Gates and S Club 7's Bradley McIntosh have taken a sip back in time to mark the release of IRN-BRU's new 2000s-inspired flavours!
READ MOREGP Racing Simulators will incorporate 10 professional grade racing simulators, each equipped with a racing seat, steering wheel, pedals and a 43" monitor, alongside a licensed bar and dining complex.
READ MOREDobbies is welcoming families along to 68 of its stores this Easter to enjoy an array of free activities, including its Little Seedlings Club workshop and Easter Holiday sessions.
READ MOREThe search is on to find the best of the best in Scottish tourism as the Scottish Thistles Awards returns.
READ MOREThis year's FREE Springfest is playing host to two great Scottish chefs – Niall Murray and Rohan Wadke, who will inspire visitors with their FREE cooking demonstrations.
READ MOREGo Radio | Number 1 for Glasgow & The West - Listen on DAB, Online or on your Smart Speaker, just say "Launch Go Radio"